Miscreants set SUV on fire in Bhubaneswar, probe underway

A sports utility vehicle (SUV) was set on fire in Khandagiri locality of Bhubaneswar on late Saturday night. The entire incident, captured on closed-circuit television (CCTV), occurred at around 11.00 PM when an unidentified individual ignited the SUV.

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On being informed, local police reached the spot and launched a probe, which is underway.

“Police have seized the burnt-out vehicle and are in the process of conducting a detailed investigation. As of now, the identity of the arsonist and the reasons behind this act are still unknown,” a senior cop of Khandagiri Police Station said.

Panic grips local residents

Residents of the locality expressed their anxieties following the disturbing incident. Police have assured heightened vigilance in the vicinity to prevent further occurrences.

“The inferno occurred at around 11.08 PM, when we were not present at home. We had gone to my sister’s house in Nayapalli. Some neighbours saw the blaze and informed us. Immediately, we returned home and the vehicle was mostly gutted,” a woman said.

“Two bike-borne miscreants are seen in the footage coming near the vehicle. One of them sprinkles a volatile substance (believed to be kerosene) around the SUV and later ignites fire while the other suddenly starts the motorcycle. The duo flees from the spot soon after committing the crime,” the woman expressed.

“Reason behind the arson has not been ascertained yet. A thorough verification of the CCTV footage will help reveal the motive behind the crime,” the young woman stated.

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Notably, several other vehicles, including four-wheelers and two-wheelers, were also kept nearby as a wedding ceremony is scheduled to be held near the house.